Northwestern University

School Notes Overview:

The National High School Institute, established in 1931, is the nation’s oldest and largest university-based program for outstanding high school students. Approximately 850 of the nation’s best students will enroll in the Institute’s 6 Divisions: Coon-Hardy Debate Scholars, Championship Debate, Forensics-Individual Events, Journalism, Junior Statesmen, Music, Film & Video Production, and Theatre Arts, and its 2 Adjunct Divisions: Junior Statesmen and Championship Debate.....

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School Overview:

County Cook County, IL
Program Name Northwestern University's National High School Institute
Program Type Summer enrichment and college preparation
Number of Students 700 students
Student Body Type Coeducational
Grades high school students -
First Session Start Date June 26
First Session End Date July 31
Second Session Start Date July 5
Second Session End Date August 7
First Program Weeks 5 weeks
Second Program Weeks 4 weeks
Third Program Weeks 3 weeks
Program Director Barbara Reeder
Campus Area 240 acres
Application Date 4/0/2025

School Notes:

  • The National High School Institute, established in 1931, is the nation’s oldest and largest university-based program for outstanding high school students. Approximately 850 of the nation’s best students will enroll in the Institute’s 6 Divisions: Coon-Hardy Debate Scholars, Championship Debate, Forensics-Individual Events, Journalism, Junior Statesmen, Music, Film & Video Production, and Theatre Arts, and its 2 Adjunct Divisions: Junior Statesmen and Championship Debate
  • Students in the Institute are affectionately called “Cherubs,” a tradition that began in the 1930s with the founder of the Institute, Dean Ralph Dennis. NHSI’s goal, as stated by Dean Dennis and as followed today, is “to bring together gifted young people and superior teachers in an atmosphere of affection, knowledge, and trust.”
  • In each of the 6 divisions and 2 Adjunct Divisions, students gain practical college-level experience in their chosen field; interact closely with outstanding faculty; tackle new social and intellectual challenges; and experience campus life with other exceptional high school students. NHSI students leave the Institute better able to make decisions about their future, and many go on to study at the finest colleges and universities.
  • For about a month every summer, Northwestern University's Evanston campus serves as a background for students to taste college life while receiving an intense education. Classes, workshops, field trips, projects and lectures fill a rigorous academic schedule while group outings and social events complete a memorable summer. All programs are residential--students must live at Northwestern for the entire time of the program--and are non-credit and designed for enrichment.
  • The NHSI faculty includes members of the Northwestern academic community, faculty from other major teaching institutions and working professionals in each field. Faculties interact closely with students individually and in group projects and often live in the dormitories with the students to create a potential for 24/7 learning.

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Note: Data has been gathered from several government and commercial data sources. School data reflects years 2002-04 statistics (most recent years available). Area and demographic data reflects year 2000 statistics. Public School Review does not ensure the timeliness or accuracy of the information on this site.

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